12.08.2005

AWPT (IPAF) Sign agreement with SIA

Aerial Work Platform Training Inc. (AWPT), and the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA), have reached an agreement that will see the two organisations work together to improve safety in the lift and access industry through better and more consistent training.
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L-R: Howard Schapira, SIA president; Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director; Dennis Eckstine, AWPT VP; John Miller, SIA president elect

The Agreement was finalised during SIA's Annual Convention in Boston, on July 27 between Tim Whiteman, managing director of IPAF and Howard M. Schapira, president of the SIA.

"This agreement provides a great opportunity for us to improve safety in the lift industry and bring added benefits to our members," said Schapira.

Under the Agreement, the SIA will recognise and promote AWPT/IPAF’s PAL Card as proof of training in the use of aerial work platforms, including mast climbers.
The PAL Card is issued to users who successfully complete a training course on powered access equipment at an approved AWPT/IPAF training centre. Over 50,000 PAL Cards were issued last year through over 150 approved training centres worldwide.

"SIA currently has about 900 members, many of whom already provide training for scaffolding and suspended access. Many of these members also operate aerial lifts and Mast climbers and the SIA is looking to introduce training for these types of equipment.

“AWPT, with its widely recognized industry training program, was the natural choice as a partner in this effort," said Schapira. "AWPT will also offer preferred rates and terms to SIA members wishing to operate as approved training centres," he added.
"SIA's recognition and promotion of the PAL Card and its desire to see the number of training centres grow rapidly is a superb vote of confidence," said Dennis Eckstine, AWPT Vice-President. "It is proof of how fast the AWPT training program and worldwide acceptance of the PAL Card is growing. We are delighted to be partnering with an organization as respected as the SIA."

The SIA Aerial Platform Council and the AWPT Advisory Council will also maintain close contacts in order to ensure the optimal promotion of safety in the industry.